Weekly Photo Challenge: Face

Pearl has spotted a bumblebee. She is an Italian greyhound-whippet cross, a high energy, fast dog with a strong prey drive. We never underestimate her prey drive instincts. When we see her face tighten into ‘huntress’ mode, we distract her and get her to focus her attention on us or on a toy.

Sighthounds can spot prey long before we can. We can see the change in their faces and know when they have spotted potential prey. This gives us the opportunity to create an intervention (such as putting them on the lead) or distraction.

Pearl spent the first three years of her life with a man who underestimated her energy and drive. When he realised he could not give her the exercise and stimulation she needed he handed her in at the shelter.

Eivor is a whippet-lurcher cross. He loves to run and play when we are out and is very laid back at home. This picture was taken just after returning home from a run on the beach. He has had some water and a large chew and is about to fall asleep in his dog bed.

When he spots prey he looks to us first for guidance. It was easier to train him to do this as his previous human companion had never taken him out on a walk. He spent the first three years of his life with a man in his eighties, who had underestimated the needs of a young dog who loves to run. When he could no longer cope, he handed Eivor in at the shelter.

Seamus is a lurcher. He is watching my husband eat some cheese. Seamus knows he is not allowed any cheese. He understood when we explained to him we would not give him any cheese because it is not good for him. We explained we were doing this because we love him. His face shows he still has hope that perhaps one day we will change our mind.

Seamus was abandoned by the motorway when he was a pup. His previous human companion underestimated what a wonderful, loving, bright and devoted being Seamus is.

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Author: whippetwisdom

The stories, poems and photographs on this blog are the original creative work of Xenia Tran. Inspired by life in the Scottish Highlands and in awe of nature she gives voice to the wisdom of her two rescue whippets Eivor and Pearl.
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6 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Face”

Oh my goodness. How could you get a whippet and not know that they need a lot of exercise. People really need to do more research before they get a dog. Plus, you would hope that whoever has the dogs up for adoption, or sale, would make sure that the potential owners (companions) understand the needs of the breeds they have and were capable of providing those needs. I just shake my head in disbelief sometimes.

We totally agree. It is so sad when people do not understands the needs of their dog. With too many breeders and so much over-breeding there is less incentive to question those who come to buy a puppy. People who are turned down by one breeder will be able to buy a puppy from plenty of others. Some shelters who started with a noble mission have also lowered their requirements over the years.Thankfully there are still many shelters who ask all the right questions and who give potential adopters a reality check. We are trying to make people aware through the stories we write and the conversations we have. When enough people share their stories we can continue to raise awareness and help people make better decisions. Thank you so much for caring. You are in our hearts and we send you lots of love xxx

Awww. Thank you. I think you are doing a great job at raising awareness. I know that the shelters just want to get their dogs adopted, but at least ask a few simple questions…esp. if an elderly person is adopting a very active breed. I guess there is no perfect solution. After all, like I said in one of my earlier posts, I got a little more than I bargained for with Tippy, but wouldn’t change it for anything now. Had I been told how much energy she would have and how much time she would take, it is possible I would have changed my mind about her. I’m so glad I didn’t! Don’t know what I would do without her now.